Man charged over Stevenage punch

(REUTERS)

A man who was arrested after a Stevenage player was punched while celebrating his team's FA Cup win over Premier League Newcastle has been charged with two offences, police said yesterday.

Robert Fitzgerald, 24, from Stevenage, has been charged with common assault and going on to a playing area at a designated football match, Hertfordshire Police said. He has been bailed to appear before magistrates on 26 January.

Stevenage's Scott Laird was knocked to the ground after the club's 3-1 victory. Police and the Football Association both began investigations after Laird was floored when fans ran on to the pitch as League Two Stevenage celebrated Saturday's victory.